Jacksonville's waterfront scene just got a significant upgrade. The Royal Princess, a stunning luxury yacht operated by Jax Yacht Charter, officially launches this weekend following an extensive renovation. Owners Lezlee and Rob Bellanich have transformed the vessel into a modern floating experience that blends elegance, entertainment, and unforgettable views along the St. Johns River. Positioned as a central attraction in downtown Jacksonville, the Royal Princess is poised to offer public brunch and dinner cruises, tailgate trips, and private events, bringing an upscale maritime lifestyle to residents and visitors.
Lezlee and Rob Bellanich are no strangers to the yachting world. With over 20 years of navigating the waters of New York's charter scene, the couple brings seasoned expertise and passion to Northeast Florida. A personal medical mission sparked their journey to Jacksonville—Rob’s successful liver transplant at the Mayo Clinic in 2020. What began as a health stopover evolved into a new chapter, with the Bellanichs planting roots in St. Augustine and reimagining their nautical dreams on the First Coast. “We want to breathe new life into Jacksonville with this fabulous private and public brunch and dinner cruise,” said Lezlee Bellanich. “It’s about more than just luxury; it’s about reactivating the river and offering an entirely new experience to the city.”
The Royal Princess isn’t just another yacht—it’s a floating event space tailored for comfort and class. The vessel features two fully enclosed indoor decks with climate control, an expansive open-air sundeck perfect for lounging and skyline views, renovated restrooms and premium finishes throughout the ship, and dedicated dining, dancing, and lounging areas to cater to multiple cruise formats. Every inch of the yacht has been meticulously refurbished from a complete mechanical overhaul to aesthetic upgrades. Even the mast was redesigned—shortened by eight feet—to ensure seamless navigation under the Main Street Bridge without disrupting local traffic. “I made the mast shorter so we can fit under the bridge without raising it,” said Rob Bellanich. “People heading to the game won’t be delayed by a yacht raising the bridge—we’re thinking ahead for Jacksonville.”
The Royal Princess offers a diverse schedule of themed cruises designed to serve both locals and tourists. Highlights include Sunday Brunch Cruises with fresh cuisine and scenic morning views, Evening Dinner Cruises ideal for date nights or client outings, Tailgate Cruises for unique pregame events, and Private Event Charters for birthdays, weddings, and corporate functions. The yacht embarks from the Northbank near the Main Street Bridge, and plans are underway to expand docking options.
The Bellanichs have a bigger mission than just running cruises—they want to inspire a transformation of Jacksonville’s waterfront identity. Lezlee envisions a thriving riverside scene reminiscent of cities like New York, Chicago, and Miami. “Those cities all have one thing in common—active waterways,” she said. “We may be the first to introduce this here, but we don’t want to be the last. I want to see a Riviera in downtown Jacksonville.” The Royal Princess is not just a business venture; it’s a call to action—an invitation to other entrepreneurs and city planners to rethink the river's role in Jacksonville’s cultural and economic landscape.
Website: https://jaxyacht.com/
My Final Thoughts
The Royal Princess is more than just a yacht; it symbolizes revival, ambition, and possibility. What makes this launch truly special is the vessel’s luxurious design, versatile cruise options, and the profoundly personal journey behind it. From a life-saving transplant to revitalizing a city's forgotten waterway, the Bellanichs have infused this project with heart and purpose. As Jacksonville looks to redefine itself as a dynamic urban center, ventures like this one push the city closer to becoming a premier waterfront destination. It's exciting to see local entrepreneurs leading the charge—not just with vision, but with real investment and action. Whether you're a local looking for a unique outing or a visitor wanting to experience the city from a new perspective, the Royal Princess delivers an experience that’s elegant, seamless, and undeniably memorable.
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